C3 Focus Areas

College & Career Ready Standards & Assessments

The United States once led the world in college completion rates. Ten countries have surpassed the U.S. in recent years. Four of every ten new college students take remedial courses leading to lower college completion rates. Additionally, many business leaders comment on the inadequate preparation of high school graduates to enter the work force.

To reverse this trend, the U.S. Department of Education's (ED's) stated goal is to ensure all students are ready for college and careers at high school graduation. To achieve this goal, ED is encouraging states to

adopt and implement the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) initiative,

implement common student assessments used to measure student academic achievement,

intervene to assist low-performing schools, and

develop accountability systems that reward progress and identify areas in need of improvement.

The resulting improvement in college and career readiness will result in America’s increased competitiveness in the global economy.